tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471814664332523292024-03-12T23:56:49.610-07:00A Change for the BetterTracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-28885385444318349012015-01-19T12:07:00.000-08:002015-01-19T12:07:09.835-08:00Adoptions and newbies!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Congratulations to Sugar, Chico, and Evielu who have all been adopted in the last few months! In fact, we've even had one other adoption since last I wrote. Peanut, the Border Collie, went to his new home a few weeks ago after spending some time here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are a few newbies that have come over the last few weeks who are now looking for their forever homes! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hunter, a young lab/hound mix, came from JCAC several weeks ago. A diamond in the rough with few manners when he first came here, he now knows sit, off, give hugs and is doing great with his leash training. Hunter is potty trained and loves to play in the yard. He's a big love bug who wants nothing more than to play and give all his love to a family. He's great with kids and dogs. While he's okay with cats, he'd probably to better in a home without them so that he doesn't irritate the bejeezus out of a feline friend! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nubbers, the little guy, and Fozzie, the collie mix, are fairly new as well. Both came from St. Louis County Animal Control. Fozzie's owner died and there was no one to claim him, sadly enough. He's a very friendly boy who is great with other dogs, cats, kids, and people of all kinds. He's potty trained, good on the leash, loves riding in the car and already knows sit, down, and shake. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nubbers is an senior boy who was found cold and sad after being dumped on the street. Picked up as a stray, he was a favorite at Animal Control. This senior gentleman is looking for a lap to snuggle up on and a cushy dog bed to lay his head down. He's still got a lot of love to give. He's great on the leash and loves to go for car rides. He gets along well with other dogs, cats, and kids as well. We think he's maybe a mix of a rat terrier, chihuahua, though he's very, very mellow, lol. Hopefully all of these babies will find their forever home at an adoption event soon. If you are interested in finding out more about one of these three pooches, please contact me at odybu@sbcglobal.net for more i</span>nformation! </div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-44737262742225633802014-09-21T15:00:00.001-07:002014-09-21T15:00:52.881-07:00EvieLu Comes Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There once was a foster dog named EvieLu. She found her forever home and was so very happy! Then, the happily ever after came to a halt. EvieLu was having some issues apparently, so she had to come back home to me. Since coming back, she's been doing great! I'm not sure what was triggering her, but there are those instances where you can have the right people, but the wrong dog or even the wrong people/timing, but the right dog. I guess we'll never know what exactly caused the issues, but EvieLu has been fabulous since she's been here. <br />
She does great with the other dogs and the cats in the house. She seems to love kids and other adults. She plays, she naps, she loves. Whatever it was that was getting to her, I suppose is gone here. <br />
When we take in dogs from local kill shelters, we don't always know what the background of the dog is. We can only hope to improve their situation as best as we can. Once in a while the fit in a new home just doesn't work, but it usually will with a different placement. So EvieLu is back up for adoption again. She will stay with me for a few more weeks before attending events just so I can be sure all is well, but for now, she's a happy dog, waiting for her forever happily ever after. . ."fur" real this time. :-)<br />
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<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-81175231282751840202014-09-21T14:54:00.000-07:002014-09-21T14:54:00.203-07:00Sweet Little Guy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Chico, Chico, and more Chico! This little one has been waiting quite some time to find that forever home that we all hope our fosters get. He's such a sweet little guy to have around! The weather lately has us outdoors more, but when we come in, he's pooped! (Note the napping above :-) )<br />
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A friend made a comment about this picture. I must love coming home to all of these critters and yes, I have to agree. Though, sometimes I feel a little bad for them. At my house, the fosters have to take a back seat to my own critters. It's the only fair way to keep fostering and give my bubs the extra attention that they deserve. Of course, that's still tons better than what it could be if they were stuck in a cage somewhere with limited human/animal/social contact. Here, they have full run of the house when I'm home, access to all the toys, water, and treats they can handle! I'm almost proud of our dinner routine, haha! They all know exactly where to go when it's time to eat. It's a thing of beauty really. In return, they give me so much more than I could ever give them. They "tell" me their stories and privilege me with getting to know what loving, amazing creatures they are. I have to say, I definitely have the better end of the deal, but being the unselfish creatures that they are, I think they are okay with that. :-) Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-53960854960735574742014-08-31T07:24:00.000-07:002014-08-31T07:26:15.539-07:00Love ❤ Unleashed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday we spent some time at a great doggie daycare called Love Unleashed in Crestwood, MO for an adoption event. While Adalyn, Sugar, & Chico didn't find a home, they did enjoy getting to socialize crate free with all the dogs & people. I'm told that next weekend is a new kind of adoption event that will be located at Open Door Animal Sanctuary. A sort if speed dating for dogs/potential homes if you will. That's new to me! More info as soon as I get the details!<br />
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<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-28375713311218860672014-08-24T09:20:00.001-07:002014-08-24T09:20:55.644-07:00Adalyn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Miss Adalyn (dontcha just love the name??!) has had a really rough life up until the last year. All the details aren't known, but the conditions she lived in were so bad, she escaped out of a broken window, ending up with dozens of stitches in her chest and a long time healing. Lucky for her, someone that worked for a veterinarian's office found her and she was on her way to mending. Everyone there fell in love with Adalyn, but as they all already had multiple pets (a hazard of working with animals) :-) no one had room to take her home so they referred Adalyn to St. Louis Senior Dog Project once her stitches were out and her chest healed. That's how she came to live with me. <br />
With her story and her spirit it's hard not to love Addie. This dog, for all she's been through, is as sweet and gentle as they come. All she wants is a soft bed, a family to love her and some good meals. She does love walks (and is great on the leash!) and is good in the car. She gets along great with other dogs, cats, kids, adults, you name it. <br />
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Adalyn would be great for someone who is home often, such as a retired person or someone who works from home so that she can be with her people. She does fine in my home, even though I work full time, but I think she'd be happiest being around folks more often. She has these wonderful brown eyes that don't come through in my pictures very well, but you can almost hear her talking to you if you look hard enough. <br />
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<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-18248449347782343612014-08-24T09:09:00.001-07:002014-08-24T09:09:28.716-07:00Senior Dogs Still Rock :-)So it's been roughly 3 years and many dogs later since I last blogged. Goodness, that's too long! I have had so many wonderful dogs come through, but most haven't been here long enough to be able to talk about. The younger ones always go so fast. I have a few senior bubs now and still wonder why some of them take so long to find a home. They are so easy and loving to have around! <br />
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Take Sugar here. <br />
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She is pretty much a perfect dog! Potty trained, loving, good with kids, dogs, & other people. Her only "flaw"? She's about 13 years old. While I don't consider that a flaw, many fear the possibility of getting their hearts broken by an older dog who may not have many years left. What they forget is the quality in those years. Sugar has proven to be as sweet and loving as her name would suggest. She's so funny to be around with her goofy faces and her funny ears when she's listening for something carefully. <br />
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Chico is another great dog and easy to have around! He had to wear a belly band when he first came, but has since graduated to no belly band with only a few reminders. <br />
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Above, Chico taking a nap when he first came and the next one is Chico and Sugar waiting for dinner. And does Chico love his people? What do you think? :-) With his peeps are his favorite place to be. </div>
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Both of these great dogs love going for rides, are good on a leash and love walks and simply love to snuggle up and chill when you want to be a couch potato. Chico is only about 7, but his odd looks get many comments, but no takers. This boy is full of love and spunkiness and he's just waiting to make someone happy, happy, happy!</div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-70696601906867913892011-01-30T17:51:00.000-08:002011-01-30T17:51:27.617-08:00<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9UfKqghqPldOJX3Dx3E3Irc_aE8ML_DmTxG_46xrB3ieJLG28FCes8IGRSLXtUTgovCSUiJICHBDnxyQxDrAZzI4abqGYwoYEu-J4XmTsiz9hjyiBlXIfUy4dOLELR72UjCeIr3kGZjA/s1600/IMGP9844.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9UfKqghqPldOJX3Dx3E3Irc_aE8ML_DmTxG_46xrB3ieJLG28FCes8IGRSLXtUTgovCSUiJICHBDnxyQxDrAZzI4abqGYwoYEu-J4XmTsiz9hjyiBlXIfUy4dOLELR72UjCeIr3kGZjA/s320/IMGP9844.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIL-c3HlvIGrcj5qF3XVcZyLiGaivRhY9HQxTzrKrYYE1rE1ChOzeTRDha9SW_EmI0V7v0cCFqA8o0idVrBRQEkTZYm4HZnJjmI_MH9hQODVt1aL_8Bnhyphenhyphen3uYKNauKFJGXVE7fiQpIUROl/s1600/IMGP9845.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIL-c3HlvIGrcj5qF3XVcZyLiGaivRhY9HQxTzrKrYYE1rE1ChOzeTRDha9SW_EmI0V7v0cCFqA8o0idVrBRQEkTZYm4HZnJjmI_MH9hQODVt1aL_8Bnhyphenhyphen3uYKNauKFJGXVE7fiQpIUROl/s320/IMGP9845.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-33682387831908444002011-01-30T17:46:00.000-08:002011-01-30T17:46:21.732-08:00<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIIBkm5JhHPU3ycOohylDh2gm23Y-PinewOorxlrWyoMX9VdgyjUU31Bs87prsNf2IwfFcAH7XZCQh7Q2a96HFmCwJRJSrhncdA5P8CyE_4RdTHOoTlC7_kFRE9hJqTj2LjKw7Zmglwiu/s1600/IMGP9879.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIIBkm5JhHPU3ycOohylDh2gm23Y-PinewOorxlrWyoMX9VdgyjUU31Bs87prsNf2IwfFcAH7XZCQh7Q2a96HFmCwJRJSrhncdA5P8CyE_4RdTHOoTlC7_kFRE9hJqTj2LjKw7Zmglwiu/s320/IMGP9879.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-90637186537614700762011-01-30T17:45:00.000-08:002011-01-30T17:45:47.768-08:00Recent news<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYkEJYv6_IV8UEX1m6Xj0sMD9Z7-h1pZXATnOxNt3LiY1fGROzjSpqusxk4LwErNww5oUXkeLeGtHeRUMbi9SokWuVk52cSMzkCf5AiFIeKQ1ocWBZoKm190L7Cw9HXr1AlJeB4gSkmJk/s1600/IMGP9879.JPG"></a>Is not as easy to work as I thought it would be, but we're getting there. So blue-eyed boy Tucker got a new home! He is happily surrounded by 3 cats and two loving humans. This still leaves a house full of critters to practice on as well as anyone else within photographing distance. Won't be getting a new foster until around spring break. Lots of running and some catching up to do. In the meantime I'll be posting pictures as I get some good ones. Here's to hoping that I have some good luck! Here's a few. . .<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pggn8iI9xWuWWrUz8SseaMMvgKNrxZhgHSPKyDVE4USVnuWuPyoSKeyEyxw8P_saayzFUINw_WQoPPg33k4CqPcvc21laM4Or8P9z3MZsm_kSUpKG1JKG8E0JLR3bU-Ej0T_XRuid67f/s1600/IMGP9884.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pggn8iI9xWuWWrUz8SseaMMvgKNrxZhgHSPKyDVE4USVnuWuPyoSKeyEyxw8P_saayzFUINw_WQoPPg33k4CqPcvc21laM4Or8P9z3MZsm_kSUpKG1JKG8E0JLR3bU-Ej0T_XRuid67f/s320/IMGP9884.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJi1ldaNiMIFbaKiaT2mtYMdVvlUz7T-7CCQLy2Bw3X0R14KOk0UnaLtLF4015_GG3bHZBkcHiwnUwOJLAIigcen5LpZyydJ1nF_N2_fsXG8HB7fVRf_v0yCJwhtzMhWaH0MhAQRfqAys/s1600/IMGP9902.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJi1ldaNiMIFbaKiaT2mtYMdVvlUz7T-7CCQLy2Bw3X0R14KOk0UnaLtLF4015_GG3bHZBkcHiwnUwOJLAIigcen5LpZyydJ1nF_N2_fsXG8HB7fVRf_v0yCJwhtzMhWaH0MhAQRfqAys/s320/IMGP9902.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-71996425238490872262011-01-20T20:57:00.000-08:002011-01-20T20:57:53.355-08:00Snowy Day Dogs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKpi0kYydrxaUJlWTjTq9XFMRqBjMASWIs0yd9lS0TsZCqbjWx5bdR1U2I1jNDP3TwY_eIWB7QxZN7VMmFQqh1rCGAsIYELq8R3Ve6Ve9d5NSs6Cqv2Uj2QjgOdfx6Y1mYFB79y5ryXlz/s1600/100_7122.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKpi0kYydrxaUJlWTjTq9XFMRqBjMASWIs0yd9lS0TsZCqbjWx5bdR1U2I1jNDP3TwY_eIWB7QxZN7VMmFQqh1rCGAsIYELq8R3Ve6Ve9d5NSs6Cqv2Uj2QjgOdfx6Y1mYFB79y5ryXlz/s320/100_7122.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br />More snow! I can't believe how much snow we're getting this winter. It's been forever since this kind of weather has come around. With snow, comes snow days if you work in a school. Gives me cabin fever really, but it also gives me more time to spend with my little monsters:-) Course, they'd much rather I be at school, I must admit. Squirt in the picture with the blue blanket prefers to spend her days lounging under the covers. . .as many as she can squeeze under. Blue spent the part of the day today curled up with Cody's favorite toy, a honking goose, lol. Cody kept trying to grab it out of there and as soundly as Blue sleeps all she had to do was lift her head and look at him and he'd back off. He kept trying and finally did get it, but I thought it was cute that she squeezed herself in to this little bed but made sure not to push the goose out, lol. <br />Then there's the Snow Queen, Lexy. It has been challenging over the last two days to get her to come inside with all this snow. She LOVES snow and loves laying in it, being covered in it, rolling it it, you name it, more than any other dog I've seen. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkQgg6c7G41SPOOfAEq4vk4B_IJWlTryr7C4ziGUvtTw9kb4BluIzedt_2AT1GZIss7f_6reXpBVBP1fPE0rM7na8KknkhvY9rrnJYNLuezmSNOJwOZwulsDIMl34wTzNaNu311ftTyFv/s1600/100_7131.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkQgg6c7G41SPOOfAEq4vk4B_IJWlTryr7C4ziGUvtTw9kb4BluIzedt_2AT1GZIss7f_6reXpBVBP1fPE0rM7na8KknkhvY9rrnJYNLuezmSNOJwOZwulsDIMl34wTzNaNu311ftTyFv/s320/100_7131.JPG" border="0" /></a> Problem is she gets little ice balls wadded in her fur after being out a certain amount of time. Then when she comes in, she "melts" all over the house. Not a big deal really, but oh what a mess! <br /><br />Good news too, Tucker (aka: Eclipse) was adopted this week by a wonderful couple! He now has his own family, 3 cats and a huge yard to play in! Funny how things work out. If it weren't for M. J. the cat having to stay here over the holidays, I would have never known if he was good with cats. At first glance, I would not have pegged him to be a dog that would be gracious around them since he's so squirrel driven in the yard. Turns out he's a big old softie with them. And did he ever love to play with M. J. And you know what ? That goofy cat would go out of his way to get Tucker up and moving whenever I'd finally get him to settle down for the evening. Funny thing the way things like that work out. You just never know what good can happen from a situation. <br /><br />In the meantime, there's supposed to be another storm heading our way. The Snow Queen will be happy, but the little dogs- - oh they so will not!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqo5JRHA6ZjCgL0t5qv_jgOxrNaQvd-Vs3YPmr72QrQ1O5ou12FlwY6iNnl0pmNGBFK-fFJm7lOZEuTAhLVixYSzt9YBjdHbYwBiFwdNsJM8HCy7bYz22Nn67mpGUIaWc5whVUsnCkx9rX/s1600/100_7134.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqo5JRHA6ZjCgL0t5qv_jgOxrNaQvd-Vs3YPmr72QrQ1O5ou12FlwY6iNnl0pmNGBFK-fFJm7lOZEuTAhLVixYSzt9YBjdHbYwBiFwdNsJM8HCy7bYz22Nn67mpGUIaWc5whVUsnCkx9rX/s320/100_7134.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-14934513088532918162011-01-13T18:14:00.000-08:002011-01-13T18:15:31.015-08:00Snow Queen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lr_FSN4eQk79un-PMte60DPNOK_xEAskzoQffwTPXoSy9dOMnAv9ab3hNCCOMlerRtrue1dKoThXqib0rzD0rCj2tHXRFbio4576j0Tj-YJFxo0pjqBpq6ON4Rsu9fX3_JtyPhCpO4g2/s1600/100_7083.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lr_FSN4eQk79un-PMte60DPNOK_xEAskzoQffwTPXoSy9dOMnAv9ab3hNCCOMlerRtrue1dKoThXqib0rzD0rCj2tHXRFbio4576j0Tj-YJFxo0pjqBpq6ON4Rsu9fX3_JtyPhCpO4g2/s320/100_7083.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br />Folks hear me talking about my dog Lexy all the time. She's my first baby, though not the last:-) A friend called her the Snow Queen many, many years ago because of her thick coat and her love of freaking freezing cold weather. Here's a few shots of her from the other night when it snowed. She was only out for a couple of hours (it would have been less, but I couldn't get her to come in at first!) When it snows, she just lays there and allows her coat to be covered. Her fur is so thick I don't think the snow ever actually touches any skin. I'm able to get the best pictures of her then. The white background of the snow, even at night, just makes the beauty of her coat stand out even more. It's all her fault that I started fostering dogs. Well, her and Squirt. If they weren't such wonderful companions I never would have considered it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQsr5exfkwFQ0ZUt4aD6Dja6oHbS4stTeVQTEOBShwg_Nue0XVF0aza-D2sXazt-fS3sqsBdjRE2PrF3EgUM4R8ER0mQhcKaE1Vg_Yy9zuQgFcswer2ojlxEdPGEXGRYc1GWXaGSqH36S/s1600/100_7084.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQsr5exfkwFQ0ZUt4aD6Dja6oHbS4stTeVQTEOBShwg_Nue0XVF0aza-D2sXazt-fS3sqsBdjRE2PrF3EgUM4R8ER0mQhcKaE1Vg_Yy9zuQgFcswer2ojlxEdPGEXGRYc1GWXaGSqH36S/s320/100_7084.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /><br />And for those of you out there who think you could, "never foster because it would be too hard", trust me, the first one is the hardest one to let go and there are others along the way that tug at your heart, but, when you think that you'll be helping a family to find their own "snow queen" or whateveryou might call your little yapper, you'd be amazed just how hard it's not:-)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX45i8evBGJUUEsr6zqgGoj33x4MLJTwiNa6Wzu61UoeV3HrN1uvhx_ieSC1Iq7RxiP66aNr2v5SCkoIAJ8LtO-DdqT7_rICcTCGIFU5OWfhWabPcMs1VYUs1jBB0SqAxLD22fyGiLgLd6/s1600/100_7085.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX45i8evBGJUUEsr6zqgGoj33x4MLJTwiNa6Wzu61UoeV3HrN1uvhx_ieSC1Iq7RxiP66aNr2v5SCkoIAJ8LtO-DdqT7_rICcTCGIFU5OWfhWabPcMs1VYUs1jBB0SqAxLD22fyGiLgLd6/s320/100_7085.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-17655937458884702572011-01-08T21:51:00.000-08:002011-01-08T21:51:53.832-08:00<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrPkMJqBr6psWpSkOeKBZrPIhG2Off02Q3vGySi21oC_Yh5hlt9DE6JE_wdM8Q3tQKHwIYqyg1wQCKp4xLPSC79VroD724lQ-Gz-FGF4bA7jkUJddLzTIrxJdYYBBfAqN3SXb0GtQV9NT/s1600/100_6491.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrPkMJqBr6psWpSkOeKBZrPIhG2Off02Q3vGySi21oC_Yh5hlt9DE6JE_wdM8Q3tQKHwIYqyg1wQCKp4xLPSC79VroD724lQ-Gz-FGF4bA7jkUJddLzTIrxJdYYBBfAqN3SXb0GtQV9NT/s320/100_6491.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-25063092794041643392011-01-08T21:50:00.000-08:002011-01-08T21:51:16.498-08:00Ol' BlueIn conversation about my dogs with a friend the other day, I had mentioned Blue being a hospice foster. When he asked what that was I explained. Then later on thought perhaps there are others out there not familiar with this. A hospice foster (at least in our group) is a dog that is deemed unadoptable because of a health issue/shortened life expectancy. <br /><br />Blue fits into that category. When she came in June, it was only for one week while Ellen was on vacation. I was even hesitant initially because I knew that Blue had been around for quite a while and had some heart issues. Of course, one week turned into longer because she was so easy to have around. Being that she was adorable and silly to boot didn't hurt. I took her to some adoption events where she promptly would fall asleep if crated for more than two minutes:-) She <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_MACqmLlwAgt4OgMJ15qXqHxjm0OBEFFi_jG9DCvEh6Fg5K-Casq-_LeX1v50NURavE9LerX300XuCGKOUrnof6BbVeNnl9yr8maMwI5khaWqzWjhJSXGatfVGkDNdcQWFGBax_50iOX/s1600/100_6483.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_MACqmLlwAgt4OgMJ15qXqHxjm0OBEFFi_jG9DCvEh6Fg5K-Casq-_LeX1v50NURavE9LerX300XuCGKOUrnof6BbVeNnl9yr8maMwI5khaWqzWjhJSXGatfVGkDNdcQWFGBax_50iOX/s320/100_6483.JPG" border="0" /></a>was happy to stay awake if she had a great treat to chew on. The only problem was she didn't want to come out if anyone wanted to meet her. She was pretty happy being out and about, but would get irritated with the younger dogs in her face so she would snarl or snap at them. Folks that have never worked with dogs before thought she was being aggressive. What it was, was a bossy old dog staking her space with a warning, nothing more. Didn't take long for her to learn that it's a wasted effort when she's here because my guys are so used to other dogs coming in that they just ignored her efforts. The only ones who continue to be afraid of her are the newbies that come through. <br /><br />Anyway, back to the hospice thing. Blue has congestive heart failure, among other things. She's on several medications to help control her symptoms (the main one being a terrible cough). There's not too much to be done other than that. Blue has surprised us though. She goes through her lows and highs and it's amazing what a zest for life she has, even though sleeping is her favorite pasttime:-) That being said, I would hate for her to have to adjust to a new home with her symptoms being this advanced. She's pretty happy here and, dare I say, she even likes the other dogs around her. It would be a rare home, indeed, that I would make an exception for. She would probably adapt, but I hate to take the chance since she is happy and doing pretty well right now. <br /><br />Even with Blue becoming a permanent resident with my guys, it still leaves me room for at least one other foster at a time. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6CV9AqIocn7dRkOEGuVv1f_dakLMGGqX9U314F4HXWgvyZ-gSMkvGTDWMNOjsE7v757RwzB4s2L_lzZ2cTwS7EdrEf2u95z4JJ8fgemJgag99Gpi_AFMwcHES623vsdPr655M5sO69cG/s1600/100_6484.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6CV9AqIocn7dRkOEGuVv1f_dakLMGGqX9U314F4HXWgvyZ-gSMkvGTDWMNOjsE7v757RwzB4s2L_lzZ2cTwS7EdrEf2u95z4JJ8fgemJgag99Gpi_AFMwcHES623vsdPr655M5sO69cG/s320/100_6484.JPG" border="0" /></a>She's great about her medications (thank heavens for Pill Pockets! Don't know what I'd do without these! I have had some finicky pooches come through here, but none can resist these things!) and is pretty predictable about most things. She does have potty issues at times (she's not the first, that's why I ripped out my carpet and put in regular floors!) but that's mostly because of her meds and her condition. It is usually my fault for being gone too long though *sigh*.<br /><br />So essentially, a hospice foster is a dog that becomes a permanent resident due to health issues, usually fatal. Our goal as fosters is to give them the best life possible and keep them as comfortable as we can until it's time to let go. They're able to live their lives out with dignity and love. And if the time comes when they are suffering and have to move on, they have someone there to love them and cry for them when they go. It sounds sad, but it really is a gift to be able to do something like this. Just reminds me to enjoy the moments as they come and worry about the future when it comes. Blue is not my first hospice foster and I'm sure she won't be my last. When you work in rescue long enough, it just goes with the territory.<div style='clear:both; text-align:RIGHT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-71811092346035309522011-01-05T14:18:00.000-08:002011-01-05T14:18:41.074-08:00Aw, shucks.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0A4lli1249ThUVYCKCPP78LIK7KflBBNaD2nhECa8GVt0KV1dVaD7ddaOztqIXTW2dzyC3sHj9AjZBOevqUB_lXCNd5Zy53XJmvi8V69u111lk2OIEg8QpU9auxDnVmnPlW75bIm4vG2/s1600/100_7066.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0A4lli1249ThUVYCKCPP78LIK7KflBBNaD2nhECa8GVt0KV1dVaD7ddaOztqIXTW2dzyC3sHj9AjZBOevqUB_lXCNd5Zy53XJmvi8V69u111lk2OIEg8QpU9auxDnVmnPlW75bIm4vG2/s320/100_7066.JPG" border="0" /></a> Sometimes there's not much to say, but a picture is worth a thousand words. And yes, he IS smiling, no kidding. He only does this when I'm giving him my full attention. Lucky thing he's a good boy. He could get away with just about anything with that face:-)<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-4736226264532518732011-01-02T20:29:00.000-08:002011-01-02T20:30:02.171-08:00Savannah Smiles:-)The lighter blonde of the two dogs (on the right) is Savannah. She was a foster of mine in 2008. She was adopted by a wonderful family who let me know that she now has recently acquired a little "brother" :-) The little girl in the picture is one of Savannah's humans. I've been working in rescue since 2004. Savannah came along in early 2008. She was a special situation because the family that originally had her are dear, dear friends of mine. To be perfectly honest, my first true love of dogs started because of my friendship with these folks. Her human has been a friend of mine since I was 16. I gotta tell ya, that was a long, um, long time ago:-) <br />The owner's love for the dog led her to find a new placement because of a rough situation that all dedicated animal lovers hope that they are never put into. It was heartwrenching and I'm glad I was able to help. <br /><br />Savannah is a beautiful malinois/shepherd mix. She's smart, loving and fiercely loyal. That being said, you can imagine the pain of having to part with this dog. There are truly legitimate reasons that a loving owner may need to part with a family companion. This was one of them. I think of this everytime I hear some lame excuse for dumping a dog. <br /><br />Anyway, tonight I got a wonderful note with this picture of Savannah and her new playmate, Clark. Cute, eh? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6atxgU1YkhV6GMrZh4FMW5vKSxafGzg53DBUupPj2T_mecR7QhPn0nJOtY7ZTQxtUo69dnBXbjXEhCEvWZOmAq4btq0ZUvnTiJx3a6kUnrdMaVP3Nvbr3ZvWHzlKTq2KAix5VTFdLt0Mu/s1600/DSCN0593.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6atxgU1YkhV6GMrZh4FMW5vKSxafGzg53DBUupPj2T_mecR7QhPn0nJOtY7ZTQxtUo69dnBXbjXEhCEvWZOmAq4btq0ZUvnTiJx3a6kUnrdMaVP3Nvbr3ZvWHzlKTq2KAix5VTFdLt0Mu/s320/DSCN0593.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love getting good news about dogs that have been with us. Heck, I like good news of almost any knd, but this is definitely my favorite kind:-) It seems Savannah and Clark are doing a great job of wearing each other out when they're not playing with the kids. Congrats to Savannah and her new family and thanks to all of you who continue to adopt from rescues and shelters. We couldn't do it without you:-) Happy New Year!<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-50635160538865473692011-01-01T00:14:00.000-08:002011-01-01T00:14:41.774-08:00New Year, New HopesHere we are, just entering 2011. I'm sure it'll be weeks before I get the year right. My students always love the beginning when they get to correct me constantly about the dates:-) Thankfully for me, I'm cool with that. I've always taught my students that no one is perfect and as long as you are kind when pointing out errors (as I try to be with them!) it's all good. (which is a good thing because I'm easily distracted and when one of the kids asks me something I don't know, perfect segway to get on the internet or look it up in a book and find the answer!) Love technology. Wish I was as savvy at it as my 4th graders! <br />
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Dates aside, I guess, like everyone, I find myself reflecting on the year and all that has happened-good and not so good. Overall, I'm pretty lucky. This year brought me new projects such as the school garden. I had many outgoing and lovable fosters who were fortunate enough to find great homes (Goldie Boy is still my pride though:-) Wasn't so sure about him at first. What a diamond in the rough he turned out to be. They were mostly younger than what I'm used to working with (which is a challenge in and of itself) but what a hoot they were. A far cry from the stoic beauties from last year that I had to say tearful farewells too (RIP: Trinity, Chester, Buddy and Jester). That's one of the sad things when working with older dogs who have come from scary situations. Just don't know what they've been through and how to fix the health issues that can come along. Course, every moment is worth it. I've had many, many more older bubs who have happily gone on to live with their families without the issues that plagued these guys. Sometimes it's just the luck of the draw for them. Though I love how our founder Ellen has explained it. At least these beautiful creatures know the happiness of love and comfort before they pass whether it was with me or their forever homes. I like thinking of it that way. Helps to be able to keep going for the next ones. Course this year has been a good one with the fosters. I've been fascinated with the adoptions I've had this year. <br />
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Of course, my bubs have all been well and then there was the addition of Ginger to our family:-) What a pistol that one is. She came in like a lamb and has turned into a real lion, lol. She acts completely demure and coy when she wants my attention, but when one of the other dogs comes up to steal her thunder, out pops that lion. It's not as bad as it sounds, but it's definitely funny. These guys always keep me in stitches with their antics. I get to come home to happy every day. I may have mentioned that before, but it's worth mentioning again. <br />
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Sadly, I did have to say goodbye to Leo and Butler, my sweet little ratboys. I sure do miss their little antics. With life constantly changing I had to make the decision to hold off on anymore rats for the time being. To much running around and not enough time. I always hated that they were stuck in their cages too much. They didn't seem to mind:-) but I always did. I've had rats since 1999. Heck, I had them before I even found Lexy and Squirt and that's saying something. Someday again. . .<br />
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Like everyone else I've had ups and downs with family, friends and the job, though that's life, eh? I am pretty happy about my new position working with all the grades. This break has reminded me that I need to put more fun back into learning. (this has probably been the best holiday break ever) It really is sad how mandates and districts can literally ruin the joy of learning for our bright young minds. However, there are ways around that:-) Hopefully there will be some big changes with my classes this next semester that will help to bring more kids that can't wait to come instead of "do I really have to?"<br />
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Oh, and my camera broke! So what a shame I have to get a new one *wink*. So hopefully better and more pics this year. <br />
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I have a lot of hopes for the new year. I hope to be more patient with humans, more outgoing with folks (believe it or not, I have done public speaking in front of large crowds, no problem, but can be stupidly shy in small groups when it's not work related) I want to get involved with more, get my graduate degree going full steam, get healthier and travel somewhere this year. These aren't necessarily resolutions. I suck at keeping those. I would like these to just be things to strive for. Oh and lastly, I'd love to be able to find the joy in life that my dogs do:-) Man, as humans we overthink waaaaay too much. Life can be GOOD even when it's bad. It can ALWAYS be worse. So hard to remember that sometimes. It's all a matter of perspective. As much as I hate to end this with cliche"ish" statements, I can't seem to help myself:<br />
Life is too short to always worry about doing everything right and pleasing everyone around us. We do the best we can, strive for more for ourselves and those around us and pray that our higher power can overlook our flaws (even if we have a lot:-). Other than that<a href="http://localhost:63933/4909d2ab536891a1fa40b4f5326e8583/image/3360852c55c39d00.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:63933/4909d2ab536891a1fa40b4f5326e8583/image/3360852c55c39d00.jpg?size=320" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a>, find happiness in the little things and remember to smile at people. You just never know what a difference it can make. Happy New Year out there! Give your critters(or your humans) a hug and hold on tight, 'cause here we go!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-7237307831045887282010-12-29T23:05:00.000-08:002010-12-29T23:11:55.335-08:00M.J. the Cat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2pWJmIt_K-DhXc60dm_55UGQPBXJG2x6Xkn4nCYlmPaMubKCwKYeA1A7QTVZDIRJ1bVa5qGT7KcjqD5TsMDEGJt6lxx7kr_MgVwQLZkuelJo1mYfiHcobqxhOKI0mriTA_xvtVMBsRtu/s1600/100_6993.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYz5yw-MItDSqpJIOzSft0-IbotuHzjBrPSSSIk28TUs5487omT_hiWK33DlGFubSz_m_7x6MCA37tOLqRKJkIn4UvcGWWCid50A9XI2wUt2NVOXL5DtxglrapIawN5JjTUPM3yrPqKvS/s1600/100_7013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYz5yw-MItDSqpJIOzSft0-IbotuHzjBrPSSSIk28TUs5487omT_hiWK33DlGFubSz_m_7x6MCA37tOLqRKJkIn4UvcGWWCid50A9XI2wUt2NVOXL5DtxglrapIawN5JjTUPM3yrPqKvS/s320/100_7013.JPG" width="307" /></a></div><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2pWJmIt_K-DhXc60dm_55UGQPBXJG2x6Xkn4nCYlmPaMubKCwKYeA1A7QTVZDIRJ1bVa5qGT7KcjqD5TsMDEGJt6lxx7kr_MgVwQLZkuelJo1mYfiHcobqxhOKI0mriTA_xvtVMBsRtu/s320/100_6993.JPG" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This cat has continued to show just how brave he is with the dogs here at the house. He'll sneak by and has made a point to visit each and every nook and cranny. Lucky for him he's fast as lightning. Ginger, the little red dog, is still not a big fan of him. She'll barely tolerate him if I'm holding her, but if she sees him coming into the room, she'll try to bolt. He's one heck of a smart critter though. There's a gate up at the bedroom door, so he can get out, but the dogs can't get in. Most of the time, he's so quiet, I can hardly tell he's around. Other times I can hear him playing with a few of the toys we've managed to gather over the last month. He sure does love the catnip!</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">He does have a couple of favorite places to hang out. One is in the basket that you see in the pictures. It's on top of a bookshelf in my living room. Far enough off the ground to keep the dogs from bothering him, but close enough to me that he's happy. Never have I met a cat that needed the attention this one does! Otherwise, there's a big dog bed in the room he stays in that he'll keep his toys in, oddly enough. He's a pretty cool cat, but at heart, I have to say I'm still a dog person. Who knows, maybe if he didn't still give me the sniffles, I would feel differently, but I can definitely say I've enjoyed having him around. He's due to go back to his other "home" hopefully next week since the holidays are over. With Ginger as unpredictable as she is and new fosters coming in, he'll definitely be "safer" there anyway! </span> <br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 50% transparent; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-41287007178950978572010-12-29T22:56:00.000-08:002010-12-29T22:57:12.449-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8J9xcIxKvIPoXz0pc2nz1fNSOoNxkxXyP8LVwYv0ssUHZfkCIBgWopdxfGbk_HuhFeWo9y5uR5DejZgRlEpnPkZySHdi0H-iMjzYjE0CxUyutYzb0nvg5NfQsvBe7xSXgdt8_OxYX_vS/s1600/100_7013.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8J9xcIxKvIPoXz0pc2nz1fNSOoNxkxXyP8LVwYv0ssUHZfkCIBgWopdxfGbk_HuhFeWo9y5uR5DejZgRlEpnPkZySHdi0H-iMjzYjE0CxUyutYzb0nvg5NfQsvBe7xSXgdt8_OxYX_vS/s320/100_7013.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:NONE'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-31687877110675779292010-12-29T22:55:00.000-08:002010-12-29T22:55:38.471-08:00Relaxin:-)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_bFKtVHXwkMWSgWPtanFVa7JHp1svDIQYh3daIhyvsqx3CfXrmV-uKoajuSVPnBul2ofYFusXyD-d53DrZMr_2YT6uPAEr3UnrEgp2yRTEG3qlR9d_U_C0-MDjB8wZcKGZqSHkOWW8Q_/s1600/100_7007.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_bFKtVHXwkMWSgWPtanFVa7JHp1svDIQYh3daIhyvsqx3CfXrmV-uKoajuSVPnBul2ofYFusXyD-d53DrZMr_2YT6uPAEr3UnrEgp2yRTEG3qlR9d_U_C0-MDjB8wZcKGZqSHkOWW8Q_/s320/100_7007.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br />Cracks me up, these animals. The blue bed that ol' Blue is curled up in has been a favorite of all the dogs that have come through here and my own dogs too. I bought that years ago for my rats. It was one of the only things that the rats did not shred. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ04J23Y8Ns663xaGaEcLjaH_n11SAeqBx98s5AglkPqT9qydvinuzY4zvmfpnLiE3Ot6JVYG2a0A5KsL56F66bSsMXbeqp91tG4q_63QChEAa8HlfDOcNMZQctFt_ctZNVLo_9n2vlzt/s1600/100_7015.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ04J23Y8Ns663xaGaEcLjaH_n11SAeqBx98s5AglkPqT9qydvinuzY4zvmfpnLiE3Ot6JVYG2a0A5KsL56F66bSsMXbeqp91tG4q_63QChEAa8HlfDOcNMZQctFt_ctZNVLo_9n2vlzt/s320/100_7015.JPG" border="0" /></a> It's too small for anyone but Cody or Ginger, but they all seem to love it. <br /><br />Below Eclipse managed to fall asleep with feet in the air. Lexy was not amused:-)<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-56476452609267762272010-12-28T22:35:00.000-08:002010-12-28T22:35:59.124-08:00Eclipse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBsksbuLCqd1UaFuCMkEFSXqHyd857VZ3upc5OfO1eJaaAuct5TfJ5dF2gKCp6lSbyDHTWfo_VIquDsCChM4gd7BOTrh8o75Jn407w2yzSn40bDcCsE4idNTXNMCWfRptWhdqKoPJX_Ry/s1600/100_7002.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBsksbuLCqd1UaFuCMkEFSXqHyd857VZ3upc5OfO1eJaaAuct5TfJ5dF2gKCp6lSbyDHTWfo_VIquDsCChM4gd7BOTrh8o75Jn407w2yzSn40bDcCsE4idNTXNMCWfRptWhdqKoPJX_Ry/s320/100_7002.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br />Long overdue for an update. I seem to be saying that about a lot of things lately. This handsome little guy had a home for about 2 days, then it turned out the other dog in the home was a bit put off by Eclipse's exhuberance:-) And that's okay. Sometimes we'll find the best homes, but for a different dog than the one we were trying for. I've gotten a lot of inquiries on this young fellow. So far he's still here, doing great. <br /><br />He's still a big baby, though learning new commands is no challenge for this guy. He's learned to crate up with no trouble. He knew sit, but now knows wait at the door as well as go when it's time to go out. We're doing hand signals as well. He gets a little over excited and needs reminders, but is doing great! I would be willing to bet that this guy would be a good candidate for the canine good citizen's test and make a great therapy dog (for visiting schools, nursing homes and the like.) He's great about just plopping his butt into the lap of whomever is closest and leaning til they make him move:-) <br /><br />M.J. the cat is still here and it seems that Eclipse rather enjoys toying with the cat. At first I thought <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqq9KWSAZd4ru4SF5o_db508smwRxn3_6UZrGyQyBVS4OYWf0JFmMunNgO9Hl-Tk1jHqnFZaScHs6dtcMBew3XI1eetjPD_aowuCtTI47V1wQ6HEIfvc18A1IBrWeOf6LbiHLLhsgsDoF7/s1600/100_7010.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqq9KWSAZd4ru4SF5o_db508smwRxn3_6UZrGyQyBVS4OYWf0JFmMunNgO9Hl-Tk1jHqnFZaScHs6dtcMBew3XI1eetjPD_aowuCtTI47V1wQ6HEIfvc18A1IBrWeOf6LbiHLLhsgsDoF7/s320/100_7010.JPG" border="0" /></a> E was being a bully. Turns out the cat instigates as much as the dog! Unfortunately for them, my house is small and there have been a few noggins sliding into the walls, but that's nothing new. It's like hearing brakes skidding on the road. You wait for the sound of the crash and hope it doesn't come, but more often than not it does. I can't believe there's not yet a hole in my wall! <br /><br />Eclipse has finally put on a few pounds and his coat is healthy and shiny. He's great with all the dogs (though still scared to death of Ol' Blue). Now that the holidays are winding down, we'll be able to get out to events more and hopefully get him placed into a new home soon. <br /><br />Hope everyone had a happy Christmas! I know we did!<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-89201491618550421742010-11-25T20:17:00.000-08:002010-11-25T20:20:55.847-08:00I am Thankful<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtkS3doJovCI5h3KH0JBYDR9NsCLjyUXnBHNn4lQUanJ7jQrfI3cyt1fspqBkgCTftWIhX847HL3p8-EGFohHpbIXKQdtAt8mbudoaIWhUIrezYr6hxms9t6Iph3TWD5g-7i2L68hfR3m/s1600/100_3961.JPG"></a>It's hard to believe another Thanksgiving has come and is on it's way out. I'm thankful for things every day of my life, but it's that time of year when I tend to think about more than just the everyday. There are times when I find that I beat myself up over things that I can't control. And sometimes over things I can control. We all do that now and again. Then I stop and think that, as I'm only human, things happen that just simply have to be let go. Then I start thinking about all of the beauty that has touched my life and how things seem like just a blink. That's when I start to think of the souls that have touched my life, whether animal or human. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCsC5PBiaL8aHR14vfxW0-IYQX5atfPy2SiVMYe_LIv71EVuCw71dac1mfOzYj6cME4zVqQniEiBgfh91KCnbe7A0j-sfvNbp7op8gwyN1XJJ2HSqCtCouDyoS3CMqNx0ZSSJBV4HrF_t/s1600/100_3962.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCsC5PBiaL8aHR14vfxW0-IYQX5atfPy2SiVMYe_LIv71EVuCw71dac1mfOzYj6cME4zVqQniEiBgfh91KCnbe7A0j-sfvNbp7op8gwyN1XJJ2HSqCtCouDyoS3CMqNx0ZSSJBV4HrF_t/s320/100_3962.JPG" style="clear: both; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" /></a> <br />
I've lost both of my parents in the last 8 years and holiday seasons have been tough. I've lost siblings, friends and pets. With each one that left, things seemed to get harder. Then, it turns out, I have a disease that is constantly trying to take me down. Sometimes I give in because I'm just tired of having to work so hard to keep moving forward. Through it all, I've had my animals and the dogs I've been fortunate enough to have come through my home while waiting for a forever home. Some made it. Sadly, others never left foster care. <br />
<br />
This year, though, has been a start of new, happy traditions. Better memories and thanks for all of the things that have shaped my life. I've had many influences in my life, good and bad. Of all of these, the influences that have made the biggest differences have been from the animals I have worked with and from the people I have met that work to make a difference in lives of even those they haven't met yet. Those who remain positive about the world and the people in it. Those who, no matter what, strive to change things that need to be changed. <br />
<br />
You might remember Chester, the senior, senior, senior lab that left us last year around this time. That poor dog had bones that rubbed when he walked, liver disease, the beginnings of paralysis due to damage to his spine and a list of other health issues. Yet here was a creature who would still bring me a toy for me to "throw", which usually ended up with me tossing it a couple of feet (because I was afraid he'd fall over if I threw it farther!) and him scrambling in pure happiness to "fetch" it and do it over again. No, I'm not exaggerating either. Everyone that met Chester loved him. I still think about that dog almost daily. It never ceased to amaze me, the zest for life he had. Yeah, so things didn't work like they were supposed to. Big fat hairy deal. He'd just walk a little slower. Eat a little slower, but he still wagged that crooked old tail and would give kisses any time you were within 5 inches of him:-) I need to continue to take a lesson from that (well, maybe except for the kissing anything within 5 inches, lol). We all hear about humans who deal with issues like this and worse and God bless them, for sure. But sometimes seeing it on tv or reading about it is a whole lot different from knowing a living being personally who understands the value of life without overthinking it. Who continues to enjoy life regardless of the future. So while I'm thankful for my family and friends, and the life I'm lucky enough to have, I'm especially blessed to know the value of really living from being with creatures that are happy, loving and exhuberant, even when they don't feel so great or maybe they don't have the best things, or they might not be getting enough attention when they want it. For this and many other things, I truly am thankful.<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 50% transparent; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-21504973965074331782010-11-23T18:06:00.000-08:002010-11-23T18:07:05.177-08:00Er, uh, No, thanks. . .<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_bByEoEohSrEEVRsM0RrOggjOlKPxAwxw9J9hk1vOnFQHgNgea-BkNiZ04zOXx9rJpEU1mpBdylkkr5F3FZ7hlcLbZ7uNf1dyuylbzMnNa6c_3PSFSCKJFv1B04yRaqHxoXshoDZP3zY/s1600/100_6905.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_bByEoEohSrEEVRsM0RrOggjOlKPxAwxw9J9hk1vOnFQHgNgea-BkNiZ04zOXx9rJpEU1mpBdylkkr5F3FZ7hlcLbZ7uNf1dyuylbzMnNa6c_3PSFSCKJFv1B04yRaqHxoXshoDZP3zY/s320/100_6905.JPG" border="0" /></a> That's what I hear in my head when I look at this picture, "No, thanks" to whatever it is that I may have asked/said/done that could have caused a face like this:-) Eclipse continues to prove the ever present theory that rescue dogs are the best dogs. Not to mention they take the funniest pictures! <br /><br />He could have been saying no thanks to his neuter surgery Monday, but of course, that was never an option. No unwanted, abused or forgotten pups from this guy. He went through his surgery with flying colors and was a happy camper by the next morning. Now here he is and he'll be with us for Thanksgiving this year. Just reminds me once again that I have so much to be thankful for. A house full of fur, yes, but lots of love and undeniable comedy when I least expect it. Course, I have many blessings, but these are my dearest:-)<br /><br />I got to thinking today what it must be like as an outsider taking a peek into my house full of critters, dog beds, training treats and the occasional cat. Did I mention John the cat is staying for a visit while his foster home goes away for the holiday. He's looking great and funny how I forgot just how much I like having that kitty around. I'm hoping to get some better pictures of him. He's a GORGEOUS kitty! Course, he'll be stuck in the bedroom with a view, but he didn't mind too much before. There's lots of squirrels and birds to check out there. Either way, I figure, until my niece (who is as honest as they come) tells me my house smells like dog or a friend gives me the "look", then I think I'll not have to worry. This will also be my first Turkey Day as a vegetarian. Wonder what my dogs will think of tofurkey? Bwhahahahaha, me NIETHER!<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-24091102265360872962010-11-18T18:46:00.000-08:002010-11-18T18:47:15.415-08:00Clean and shiny<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLWwS8o_D5CsT_p64JV3CScDQemhruttkwBgPWmXZ6wO3bCUqPv31sJjfoz5MKc-898oak3cw5Jl9OaTK3ErXP0SnYZBInmb6wwzqyy45CeHG3IQHvDmHL9FY3WJYSCGmaRdPea7aOVHq/s1600/100_6898.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLWwS8o_D5CsT_p64JV3CScDQemhruttkwBgPWmXZ6wO3bCUqPv31sJjfoz5MKc-898oak3cw5Jl9OaTK3ErXP0SnYZBInmb6wwzqyy45CeHG3IQHvDmHL9FY3WJYSCGmaRdPea7aOVHq/s320/100_6898.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br />There's no doubt in my mind that this boy once had a home. This is Eclipse, though I find myself calling him Clipper, why? I have no idea. However, in less than 24 hours he's shown me <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgwFtW2JBMKY89XnGTwIjsVtT7zzMD-3m1L2aB35S-UN8edi42JaCH9PhQ925rc7Jj6HcMRyxHrLjkI6zjO9C79Id2DdBxpLOL3JAvUDHqbYNZuGYPe24kMyAybJdIDAQHozz1fS_cM2N/s1600/100_6899.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgwFtW2JBMKY89XnGTwIjsVtT7zzMD-3m1L2aB35S-UN8edi42JaCH9PhQ925rc7Jj6HcMRyxHrLjkI6zjO9C79Id2DdBxpLOL3JAvUDHqbYNZuGYPe24kMyAybJdIDAQHozz1fS_cM2N/s320/100_6899.JPG" border="0" /></a>that while he doesn't like it, he will calmly tolerate a bath (if you don't mind him leaning his wet head on you:-), he knows sit, he's a fan of hugging humans and kissing them on the nose:-) He's gentle with treats and fits in well with the pack here. Lexy has been trying to engage him in play, which he happily obliges. But as soon as he bumps her back legs, she gets cranky and gives him a what for. That's the end of that. Poor Lex is just not as mobile as she was in her younger days:-( She sure would like to be though, there's no doubt about that. Eclipse seems content to give her an "I'm sorry" nose poke once she's not crabby anymore and that's good enough for her. <br /><br />I have no doubt that Eclipse has shepherd in him and upon first glance I thought husky, but he sure doesn't have the temperment of either of those dogs. Both breeds and mixes of those breeds are great, but in my experience have been high energy and quirky. This guy is a mellow fellow for his young years (estimated at about 3 I think, with some truly pearly white teeth!) He's content to go outside to potty then come back in and hang out. Seems to want nothing more than to be cozy in the house hanging out with others. He's not a "shover" either. You know, the ones that shove their way past other dogs. He's okay standing wherever as long as he's getting attention. Cody and Ginger could sure learn a thing or two from him:-) So what he is mixed with? Your guess is as good as mine. good old Heinz 57. The best kind of canine!<br /><br />Anyway, he'll hopefully get neutered in the next couple of days. Until then he's on leash patrol only. I'm not willing to take any chances on him hopping the fence and doing who knows what! He seems okay with that too actually:-) We've gone out many times since last night and he's perfectly fine taking care of business while on lead. I've had dogs in the past that had, er, um, privacy issues I suppose. If I had them on leash or where they could see me, they refused to go. That's where REALLY long leads come in. Until a dog is neutered and pretty much guaranteed (in my opinion anyway) not to be a jumper, he has to do potty breaks with me in tow. Just don't want to contribute to the overpopulation of animals when I work so hard trying to educate folks to prevent it.<br /><br />More pictures to come in the future. Wouldn't you know I got a couple of pictures and my camera battery died. OY! Needless to say, the pack here seems perfectly content to share thier space with E and Blue now has another male to sass:-) As for me I enjoy sitting back and watching my dogs do the magic they do that tends to bring out the best in new dogs who come to our house. With E already being such a sweet boy, it will be interesting to see in what new ways he blossoms. Animals truly are amazing creatures. Gotta love 'em:-)<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-14487717202846357722010-11-17T20:45:00.000-08:002010-11-17T20:45:57.656-08:00Eclipse <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Okay, I know I've really sucked big time about keeping up with the blog lately. I have to admit, even I'm irritated with me and my lack of updates. Honestly, sometimes just sitting down to write can be hard to do when I know there are a million things I'd like to say and just don't know where to start. So avoidance seems to be the easiest answer. Luckily, we've had some happy changes and are welcoming our newest foster Eclipse. He was found as a stray and taken in by Stray Rescue. Seeing as they have taken over the city pound they are doing an amazing job of trying to coordinate with and work with other rescues to try to make sure dogs are placed and room is made for the new ones. He's just a bit shy, but very quick to warm up. He's got the most stunning blue eyes. He's already shown me that he's great in the car and good with the other dogs (he and Cody have already been playing tonight and he's wooed my bossy girl, Squirt:-) More details and pictures after he's had a bath and settled in a bit longer. I will say, he made my heart melt when I was sitting in the living room on the floor talking to him and he just walked over and pushed his head up under my chin and stood there letting me hug him. The stillness and trust of a new dog doing that just speaks volumes to me that words could never describe. </span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I was at the Pine Street Shelter today and It's amazing what a wonderful job they've done there. Honestly, my house is not as clean as this shelter is! And the dogs, while I'm sure would be happier in forever homes, truly looked settled, not freaked out and stressed out. In fact, all but a few were taking naps and this was at about 3pm! Not that I didn't want to take all of those dogs home, but it sure beats the heart wrenching memories of the city pound *shudder*.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Funny little Blue is still here. She's had two inquiries in the past month, but both either found another dog or were concerned about Blue's medical issues. It's hard to be old, whether you're a dog or human. Folks don't want to have to deal with your aches and pains. I think sometimes it reminds them of their own mortality. Heartbreak also comes with having pets. Eventually, even if you start with a pup, they have to move on to a "better place". It can be hard to know that sometimes a few weeks, months or even a year is all you might have with a pet. It can be so worth it. I do understand why folks would rather not adopt an older dog sometimes, but I feel bad for them because they just don't know what they're missing. Meanwhile, Blue continues to do well, sleep soundly and eat heartily:-) She's just an all around happy old gal. Love that old fart. You never know, she may just get the right home yet. Until then, she's dreaming happily on her bed, most likely about breakfast! </div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247181466433252329.post-28409866239948020482010-10-10T20:47:00.000-07:002010-10-10T20:47:51.506-07:00KittySo I've been getting good news about John the cat. Mr. S and his friend seem to be enjoying having John around:-) I think it's been a bit of an adjustment to go from no animals at all to a new kitty, but John is such an easy going guy, it has been pretty good. Funny to say it, but I miss the little booger. He is such a friendly creature! It is easier having just the dogs here, I'll admit. They now have free range of the house but it's sooooo quiet. It wasn't long after Butler, my rat, passed on that John came. If you know anything about rats, they make lots of little noises at night since they <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvxCh9Bjx2VpMh8ewPt7jznaUKJIkrauftMk8bKiPToUOjFESNwL2Oq8CTgBc-LjgLLcXOCeYiNnCFwCXmNsv63I1wnjQtkimyc9INNhJO4QrIkQ1r26Yq4lkoLziJl6IQGH4tebJvCZR/s1600/100_6501.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvxCh9Bjx2VpMh8ewPt7jznaUKJIkrauftMk8bKiPToUOjFESNwL2Oq8CTgBc-LjgLLcXOCeYiNnCFwCXmNsv63I1wnjQtkimyc9INNhJO4QrIkQ1r26Yq4lkoLziJl6IQGH4tebJvCZR/s320/100_6501.JPG" border="0" /></a> are nocturnal. It seems John the cat was a "night owl" or cat should I say? Now that he's gone too, it seems like the house is screaming without the little noises, lol. <br /><br />Course, Blue is a snorer, Lexy is a squeaker when she sleeps, and the rest of them make enough noises between the group of them to make up for one tiny little rat and a mostly quiet cat:-) Funny what you can miss if you don't pay attention. . .<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879473245617969967noreply@blogger.com0